Cheer Coach & Advisor Magazine's Rec Issue by Valerie Ninemire

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Essential Guidelines For Parents page 23

recreation issue 2010

Dynamic Duo Cathy Fuller & Jennifer Schower page 10

TUMBLING SEQUENCE Perfect Back Handsprings page 18

Get Attention & Keep Focus page 16

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W H Y P AY M O R E a n d S E T T L E F O R L E S S ?

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____ aching:_ ____________ _ Number of Years Co ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _________ ________________ _____________________ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ ___ _ y:_ Cit Nominee’s Name:_ ___ _ ______________ _____________________ _____________________ __________ Phone:_____ ___ ___ _ :_ Zip Address:______________ _ ___ __ ___ ___ ______ _________ _____________________ _____________________ me of Program:______ Na State:_______________ _ ___ ___ ___ ___ _____________________ h. Email:_________________ Ultimate Primus Coac ____________ why this person is the us l tel e as ple , _____________________ es ___ nc ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ In a few short sente ___ _______________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ ___ ______ _________ ___ _____________________ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _____________________ ___ _______________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ _____________________ ___ ___ ___ ______ IMUS COACH. _____________________ al for the ULTIMATE PR du _____________________ ivi ind d ne tio en ng for the above-m I am nominating/voti correct and accurate. By filling out this form, , all the information is ge led ow kn my of st to the be ____________________ I am also stating that, _____ Email:_________ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Cell Phone:_ _____________________ .com, Your Name:___________ cheercoachmagazine emailed to heather@ e, zin ga ma ch oa erc de online at www.che Nominations can be ma is 5/31/2010. line for nominations ad De 6. 15 3-1 75 1) or faxed to (56

TableofContents features 10

cover story

POP WARNER’S DYNAMIC DUO Cathy Fuller & Jennifer Schower

by Heather Portnoy Photography by Larry Hahn

Recreation Issue 2010 Volume 7, Number 2

departments 6

letter

in the know School, Rec and All-Star Happenings

competition calendar Sponsored by Traveling Teams

COACHING FUNDAMENTALS

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Ensuring Young People Have a Positive Cheering Experience

by Heather Jeffries

ATTENTION AND FOCUS: Guidelines to Help Your Squad Stay on Task by Ryan Jensen

tumbling sequence Perfecting the Back Handspring

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by Debbie Love Sponsored by Tumbl Trak

COACHes sound off—Q & A

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How Do You Stay Educated? What Makes Coaching A Rec Program Different Than Other Programs? What Do You Do To Promote And Grow Your Program? Sponsored by Spring Tumbling

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Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H RECREAT ION ISS U E 2010

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SLetter The Power of Recreational Cheer

elcome to one of our favorite issues of the year where we talk about Recreational (Rec) Cheer. Why do we love Rec Cheer so much? Well, it’s because we see it as the grand introduction of cheerleading to masses of youth throughout the country. Rec Cheer is fun, family oriented and more financially sensitive during these tough economic times. It has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years and you can easily find a Rec Cheer program in your area. Just look around; there is Pop Warner, American Youth Cheer (AYC) and even Snoop Dogg has a cheer program within the Snoop Youth Football League. You can also see the All Star community embracing the importance and magnitude of Rec Cheer. The USASF addresses Rec Cheer on their web site including a ‘Plan of Action’ to local gyms to begin Rec programs and encouraging event producers to add more Rec divisions in their competitions. On the flip side, we are also seeing Rec Cheer programs adapting to include both sideline and competitive cheer environments. It’s great to see the two blend together to broaden the cheerleading experience for our youth. In this issue, we are sharing a tale of a great Pop Warner mother-daughter duo, Cathy Fuller and Jennifer Schower. These two women have made an incredible impact to an endless number of families in Pop Warner. Their “Pay It Forward” attitude will make you take a step back and think about what you can do for your community. We are also very excited to introduce the launch of our new web site. Take a moment to visit us at www.cheercoachmagazine.com. The site includes all your favorite features from the magazine plus special web only content that you will only find from the #1 Magazine for Cheerleading Coaches. In addition, we have added blogs from our editor and publisher. We’ll also be adding special guest blogs hosted by your favorite coaches and spirit industry professionals. You will find videos, directories and links to other great companies who support the spirit industry. If you don’t already receive our exclusive Cheer e-newsletter, make sure you sign up so you can stay up-to-date on all the hottest cheer news. We are very proud of our site and have many new additions to make it even better. We hope you love it as much as we do. If there is something you love, please tell us. If there is something we could improve, we would love to hear that too.

Web site

www.cheercoachmagazine.com Editorial editor Valerie Ninemire 2319 FM 1794 W, Beckville, TX 75631 (903) 678-1113 Fax: (903) 678-1126 valerie@cheercoachmagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Nancy Kumpulainen nancy@cheercoachmagazine.com

national sales publisher Heather Portnoy (317) 679-4499 heather@cheercoachmagazine.com Account Executive Megan Ninemire (903) 452-2942 megan@cheercoachmagazine.com

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For subscription information

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editorial advisory board Debbie Bracewell: Executive Director, NCSSE – AL Cindy Clough: Co-Owner and Director, Just for Kix – MN Coach Wayne Evans: Coach, Author and Publisher – GA Pam Headridge: Head Coach, Oak Harbor H.S. – WA Gwen Holtsclaw: Founder and President, Cheer LTD – NC Susan Loomis: Spirit Liaison, National Federation of State High School Associations – IN

Jim Lord: Executive Director, AACCA Lisa Moroski: National Cheer & Dance Commissioner, Pop Warner – PA Elaine Pascale: CEO, World Cup All Stars, NACCC – NJ Tammy VanVleet: Golden State Spirit Assoc. (GSSA) – CA Lance Wagers: Founder, ACA – TX Jeff Webb: Founder and CEO of Varsity Brands – TN

missing/damaged issues We will gladly replace these issues, inventory permitting. Please notify us of missing or damaged issues within 60 days.

Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H RECREAT ION ISS U E 2010

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POP WARNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Dynamic Duo Cathy Fuller

Jennifer Schower

Pop Warner is a family affair with the Fuller-Schower family.

Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H RECREATION is s u e 2010

CoverStory

By Heather Portnoy

airytales are told to provide hope, inspire dreams, and tell tales that seem inhumanly possible. This is the inspirational story of two extraordinary women, Cathy Fuller and her beautiful daughter Jennifer Schower, whose real life fairytale has done just that. Their unique mother-daughter bond has had a significant impact among thousands of people in the Pop Warner family. Their cheer story begins near the Jersey Shore, but their impact ripples around the globe. Cathy’s Pop Warner cheerleading career began in 1963 when she became a cheerleader for the Saint Joe’s Angels in Toms River, New Jersey. Cathy shares, “These were the days of moms sewing felt circular skirts, pom poms made with shower curtain hooks and crepe paper, and white tennis sneakers paired with bobby socks.” The excitement of game day is in her blood and she has always felt that natural passion to get the crowd revved up and cheering for their team. In 1984, her cheer experience transitioned to coaching when she met up with her former team mascot, Margie Miller. Margie advised her that the Saint Joe’s Angels cheer registration was underway. Not only did Cathy sign up her daughter for the team, but she and her husband, Jack, signed up to become coaches. Cathy became a cheer coach for a team of nine that soon flourished to fifty cheerleaders within a couple of years. In addition, Cathy became one of the first female presidents of a Pop Warner organization in a league of thirty-two teams and she became the Cheer Coordinator for the Saint Joe’s Angels.

Jennifer as a Pop Warner cheerleader. w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m

As they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Jennifer certainly demonstrates her mother’s love and passion for Pop Warner cheerleading. She became hooked on cheerleading from the first day of practice, with her mom by her side and her baby brother in his stroller. As years progressed, her passion grew stronger. She was the recipient of the Bill Eastmond Scholarship award, along with being honored as a Pop Warner Little Scholar. “Pop Warner taught me about sportsmanship, dedication, pride, and that winning isn’t everything.” Jennifer spent many years as a cheerleader trying her hardest to win, only to watch other teams carry home the trophies. Jen says, “I was taught by my coaches to never shed a tear and always hold your head up high.” In 1990, her hard work paid off when her team, coached by her Mom and Margie, were the Jersey Shore Champions, Eastern Region Champions, and the first team in history to represent their region at the Pop Warner Nationals in Santa Clara, California. She holds that feeling of accomplishment in her heart today as one of her greatest cheer memories. Jennifer’s natural spirit was to pass this feeling along. She wanted to show other girls how to work hard, walk through adversity, and never lose sight of their goal. The next year, Jennifer began her first steps as a cheer coach. She was a Junior Demonstrator throughout high school and continued on to take her Pop Warner teams to Nationals, competing in Santa Clara, California, Jacksonville, Florida, and Orlando, Florida. In college, she continued coaching on a high school level and in 1998, she captured her first National Title at the Cheer Ltd CANAM Nationals. It is quite ordinary for parents who coach to step down once their own children have outgrown the sport, but Cathy Fuller is anything but ordinary. While Jennifer was beginning her journey as a cheer coach, Cathy continued on an astounding journey of her own. In 1993, she resigned as President of the Saint Joe’s Angels and was elected to the Jersey Shore Board as Third Vice President of Scholastics—a prestigious title, as education is the foundation of Pop Warner. Pop Warner is the only national youth sports organization that requires academic proficiency as a prerequisite to participation. “My belief is your education is your tomorrow; this goes hand in hand with athletics.” says Cathy. As Cathy has proven, when she has an idea, she takes it all the way. One year later, she was appointed Eastern Re11

CoverStory gional Scholastic Chairman affording her the opportunity to work with the Region staff and teams to become the forerunners in scholastics. The following year, Cathy continued on her ambitious journey and was elected as the Jersey Shore Cheer Commissioner. Her goal was to assist coaches in becoming confident and to teach them not to base their programs on being champions, but being prepared. Cathy shares “Under the direction of Eastern Staff, we began our journey as a Pop Warner family. We instituted coaches’ educational clinics, conferences, and camps. We reached out to area high schools for Junior Demonstrators. My belief was that this allowed cheerleaders, like my daughter, to remain in the program and to groom them to be future Pop Warner Coaches.” Cathy’s efforts resulted in guiding hundreds of teams to the Nationals and fostering many new cheer coaches. Now, Cathy eats, sleeps, and breathes for game day. “I absolutely love game day. I like the excitement. I have always taught my kids it’s great to be out there. You are a cheerleader; it’s your job to lead the crowd. I guarantee you that we will have the crowd up and cheering.” This is something we have also experienced firsthand. At Pop Warner Nationals, you will find Cathy organizing all the fun crowd activities ranging from mascot contests, to having cheer dads navigate through obstacle courses while dressed in a cheer skirt and balancing on one leg. Her attitude is contagious and it’s near impossible not to have fun when you are around her. Cathy also utilizes game day for tool building. It’s the time to put together your basic stunt groups, use your signs, improve your motions and work on your jumps. This gets the nervous butterflies out long before competition day and has you prepared for anything. Preparation is key to both Jennifer and Cathy. Every Pop Warner coach is required to participate in a safety program. If they don’t pass the necessary exam, they are not asked to leave. Instead, Pop Warner assigns a mentor to work personally with this coach to educate them and prepare them for a safe coaching experience. There is always someone to learn from and to ask for help, within the Pop Warner family or outside in the cheer industry. Jennifer and Cathy encourage all cheer coaches to be prepared and take advantage of all their resources. Cathy and Jennifer also emphasize the importance of teaching children to have 12

Cathy as a cheerleader for the Saint Joe’s Angels in Tom’s River, New Jersey.

fun and not lose sight of that. Directly before walking out on the competition floor, Cathy’s last line to her cheerleaders is “Anyone can buy a trophy. You always do your best and walk off proud. Then you are a winner today.” Both Cathy and Jennifer believe that every team they have coached is true champions. Jennifer and Cathy have a relationship that Jennifer describes being the Yin and Yang. “She’s the fun and I’m the work. She has the fun and is goofy with things like crazy sock night. I’m the no fuss, get it done type.” Jennifer believes education is pivotal for coaches and this is her focus. “These are moms who want to do their best and help their kids achieve their best. They need someone to educate them on the basics and fundamentals.” She has traveled throughout New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania teaching good sportsmanship, leadership and rule interpretation to thousands of coaches. Jennifer not only works one-on-one in training these cheer coaches, but she has taken it one step further. You will find her starring as instructor in the Pop Warner Instructional Stunt Video, which is available on www. popwarner.com. Don’t be surprised to see Cathy in the credits as well. This dynamic duo attributes all of their success to being part of the Pop Warner family. They are a family within a family and even after 25 years, they don’t ever plan on leaving. Cathy’s husband still coaches. Jennifer’s husband grew up in Pop Warner football, and her 1 year old son, Brady, will be wearing a flag and following in his family’s footsteps very soon. So many people enjoy their experiences in cheerleading and move on, but it’s families like the Fullers and Schowers with their ‘Pay It Forward’ attitude that will make a difference to thousands. Their spirit is contagious and they set an example for other families to follow. It all began with a love for cheerleading and seems to be a tale that is best ended with “and they lived happily ever after.” H

Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H recreat ion is s u e 2010

Real Cheer News by Real Cheerleaders sue

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Lauren Miche

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Leaders

EKelldy itor’s Pa

ReAL CheeR news by ReAL CheeRLeAdeRs

Drew Bewley

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Hello fellow ch eerleaders!! Fir st of all, I want introduce mysel to f to everyone. I am Kelly Drew graduate from Bewley, a the University of Kentucky in a Bachelor of Ar May 2009 wi ts in Journalism th . I grew up in Ba a small area in rren County, southern Kentu InsIde ThIs Issue cky where my the high schoo mom has been l coach for 30 years. My paren cheerleading wa ts knew that s going to be a big part of my started tumbli life after I ng at the age of 4, tha Be ing a true Kentu nks to my older wORLd QuALIFyInG cky girl, my dre sister. versity of Kentu am was to beco cky cheerleader. me a UninATIOnAL evenTs I wi wa ldc s ats a te ch for eerleader for the four years winn e WElisehi ElisSydney ing three natio Base/Flyer 2008 and 2009 Dawn Position: Sydney Dawn Name: Check nal titles h 26, 1996 . After graduati White Birthday: Marc X ng, I was not rea in 2006, cheer experienc 8th Grade ChOReOGRAphy Position: Base Flyer o in School: Ja GA e th, u Grad Dulu n 9-8-99 ol, y: Position: Flyer dy for my e u Scho Birthda t to end. With the ary’s F th Middle Grade in School: School Name: Dulu cheerle eatu passion that I s Birthdate: Februabout cheerlead Cheer School Name: Watkin have for GPA: 3.2 CORneR wITh le ing, the sport tha ading, I decided to use my jou LEADE red Elementary ary 12, 1997 full, double full, doub Duluth, GA to eld, n: gh Springfi etow throu rna own: s Hom t wo I have always Homet RS!! rld and now I wa Skills: Specialty passe to full. Allstar Team: Kats loved. I have ha lism degree to write Missouri gh Signature Tumbling nt you to have l ng Skills: and a whip/full throu all girl flyer, all body positions, Signature Tumbli d full g my ch Extreme – Sr. Leve sprin yo ee punch tim hand full, ur time. I want rleaders I can wh back e in the cheer d and body Punch front whip tunting Skills: Co-e walkover to make an im double downs from ether it is throu 5 front double, front Signature Basket/S s), Kick-doubles, toe tucks, teaching. Throu pact on as ma gh my magazin (Stunts &Pyramid thru double, triple to full, full Grade in School: full-ups, rewinds too! ny gh cheerleading I e or whether it three to double, one a level 4 Junior team s at this time, but full , me position. Base on I thru full, standing is ha ds and recognition 7th Grade mo thr ve awar no ou ing rie ma have /Stunt gh my s I : de tha Basket many friends tha t will never be Signature Awards/Recognition , toe touch School Name: forgotten. Both Skills: Kick double s to accept my t will last a life in the future. much through full ups, team? My willingnes aspire to have some your open, pike open, tim for ph r enjoy I ysi e leade Penns Grove ch scale, n, an cally and menta eerleading. It InsIde sCOOp FROm with the best. a great rewinds, cupie, scorpio What makes you nue to strive to be leg has taught me lly, I have learne d uragement or Hometown: Linheel stretch, switch weaknesses and conti confidence, an Individual to be de strengths and my when they need enco d so Awards/Recognition: d how to work others on the team the Midwest coln University, PA ple for someone who 1st place all over express to you being able to help as a team. Those dicated, to be a leader, to spe I can set a good exam I hope I can set a good what works best. ho up. on g Signature Tumbling ak ers w ual givin are week a ut individ ex point nights cit overall jus g 4-5 ed it is to be a t a few to name Grand champion in the gym workin the skills I want, witho I love my fellow cheerleaders and you to throwing and New Orleans, your team? I am Skills: Arabian ch feel like you ha works hard to get best. old when I starting off. I cannot a great leader for it. I was 6 years What makes you tell them that strive to be the ve a voice in thi eerleader writing for cheerle to something I achieve do it at 6 you can do it to. I just those cheerleaders and if I put my mind had several gym if I could tea but my ch give inspiration to ad ing, s g they want. I have ing and tell the girls in my ers rlead ma just ne I anythin gym chee full . ch Up and ga of le everyo our t I achieve fulls in and ee Full zin wa s will rleading in the e and it will be nt all of all do nothing but fulls really go for it they through to doub and tumbling aspec h Kick Double/ example to other g friendships. year when I could rleading gives me an if they focus and well I threw a summer for UC enjoy the stunting heard. I will sti tunting Skills: Hitc messed up bad last on a level 4 team, some really stron personality. Chee d get to know well not when your tumbling blocks and and each time I the most? I definitely have established Signature Basket/S demonstrate my le down A as an instructo ll be a good block to have over come that block all of you. Also rleading do you enjoy It allows me to express myself and kept telling me it’s down/tick tock doub lds for Senior All work really hard to important thing I What part of chee upset so I had to That is the most r and I hope to arabesque double I will be repres dearly though! Team USA for at Wor full and was really I love to dance. try something else. I just breathe and rea part is the dance! love the overall sport on: Placed 10th ite do the I ch gniti en favor my friends feel one coming on love. Reco out tin my and with rds/ 2n g the United Sta Awa d year. The Ch hanging out ne! that I want the most? I enjoy like to tell everyo down on the cheerleaders wa ion the accommodations tes of America ading do you enjoy fun to jump up and urage my What part of cheerle and when we do well it is so much myself to the Girls Level 5 Divis your team? Enco nt to help all the eer Leader Magazine and its g. I love to push on a great leader for most. I love to perform to pick one thing it would be tumblin to show off! sta If I had ch What makes you Ch ff ee of uals because I get am rle floor with them. individ gre do pio ad to at ers gain the ex nships are great tricks. I love bling limit and learn new teammates. y the most? Tum perience of a life but the experie an rleading do you enjo in yth rs chee of ing ade tim nc parts erle fee t e e. che is Wha l free to conta 4 Coaches Who will end up on top? rite featured ct me at anytime what it is all about! If anyo always keep up VOTE for your favo ne ev at drew@thech our website with our websi 8 eerleadermagazi er needs each age group from te at www.the Leader Magazine er ne.com and Che cheerleadermag The 48 azine.com Ch eers!!

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the athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body. Therefore you need to not only learn the technique but condition your body for the skill. A back handspring requires good Plyometrics, strong core, good stability and mobility in the shoulder and thoracic areas, strong quads and equal strength in the hamstring and glute area as well as good calf strength. If we refuse to strengthenÂ our bodies we are asking for injuries, so take the timeÂ necessary to learn proper technique for each skillÂ as well as making your body strong enough to perform the skill. H Debbie Love has been involved in cheerleading, dance and gymnastics for over 40 years. She started out in the world of gymnastics where she was a Level 10 coach and judge and was the USAG chief safety certifier for the state of Kentucky. Debbie currently sits on the USASF National Advisory Board and is the Strength and Conditioning Chair for the USASF. Debbie travels extensively sharing her knowledge and training cheer gyms in a number of different topics. You can read more about Debbie on her Web site, For the Love of Tumblingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;http://www.fortheloveoftumbling.com.

You Supply The Spirit. We Supply The Equipment. 20

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P Coaches Sound Off P P

In this issue, we asked our Coaches’ Advisory Panel to answer the following questions below. We directed these questions specifically to Pop Warner Cheer Coaches who attended the 2009 National Championships. Their responses follow and we feel sure that their input and experience will continue to help other coaches. Many thanks to all the people that serve on our Coaches’ Advisory Panel; we appreciate your time.

Questions: As a Rec coach, how do you stay educated? What makes coaching a Rec program different than other programs? What do you do to promote and grow your program? Michelle King, Pop Warner Coordinator, Jensen Beach, FL: “To stay educated, I read magazines and online articles. I also attend coaches’ clinics, attend Pop Warner Coaches’ clinics and get certified with Pop Warner. I also have NYSCA certification. It’s important for Rec coaches to get girls involved and active at a young age. These girls would not normally have the opportunity to participate. Rec coaches have to have the heart to coach. The coaches display this and therefore lead by example. Rec coaches also offer the chance to learn about team work because they cheer for football. The girls are able to see that aspect of cheering for a team. They are more well rounded because they cheer both competitive and sideline. We promote our program by going out to different schools and connecting through our children and their friends to bring them into the program. We also advertise and have booths at the mall and have booths at our local festivals.“

Loretta Poling-Young, Pop Warner Cheer Advisor for the Jersey Shore Pop Warner & Cheer Coordinator for Keyport NJ, Indians: “The Jersey Shore gives Risk Management class every year, has monthly coordinators meetings, judges for other events, and we read spirit industry magazines. Rec coaches are more community based and keep the community involved. We check grades and give tutoring during practices if the girls need it. We work closely with the families to keep them involved in the program. Rec programs offer a chance and first steps into cheerleading. Once they are in the program we strive to keep them there. We offer scholarships and a chance that many children would not normally have. Rec cheerleading is an opportunity for girls to get involved in cheerleading and have the opportunity to do something that they really want to do. To promote our program, we host sign-ups, have our cheerleaders wear promotional shirts, and also invite their friends.

We also promote within our local school system. We go into the schools and have an assembly to talk about the program. “

Erika Schiele, Coach of Middletown Eagles in Middletown NJ: “We attend the coaches’ clinics provided by Pop Warner, research information online, study risk management techniques, earn our head coach certifications provided by Pop Warner and also earn our CPR certifications. The competitions make the role of a Rec coach so different. They give us an incentive to keep competing because you have to make it to the next round in order to compete where All-Stars can choose another competition. I promote our program in our local newspapers, send email blasts, and utilize our website. We promote our organization as fun, which easily travels through word-of-mouth.”

Denise McWalters, Coordinator with Middletown Eagles in Middletown NJ: “I am constantly at Pop Warner training, attend every yearly course, study risk management, earn my coach’s certifications and am CPR certified. In our Rec program, we promote fun and not winning. It is a fun and safe environment. The winning will eventually come.”

Cindy Julian, Coach of Highland Colts in Honolulu, HI: “I research online, read Pop Warner books, look at the cheer training videos, and am also CPR and First Aid certified. I feel like Rec coaches are here for mentoring, they are here to be leaders and bring up leaders. They are here for the children. We have a winning program so it is easy to grow and promote. We go to the schools, talk to the families and bring in their friends. We also advertise the program in the local paper.”

We’re looking for you If you’d like to be a part of coaches helping other coaches, then take a minute and join our Coaches Sound Off. All you have to do is send an email with your request to valerie@cheercoachmagazine.com for our consideration. Be sure to include a short bio and a headshot.

Enhance your squad’s skill level

.com • Email: s pringtumbling@yahoo

Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H recreation ISS U E 2010

GuidelinesForParents

Ensuring Young People Have a Positive Cheering Experience By Heather Jeffries

Getting Started If your child is showing interest in becoming a cheerleader, DON’T WAIT! Gather all the information you can on cheerleading and tumbling as soon as possible. It’s never too early. Start by visiting cheerleading and gymnastics facilities in your area. Preview the class in which your child will be participating. Most gyms invite you to take your first lesson free. This is a great way to get your child involved in the decision. Some gyms can give you an honest evaluation of your child’s skill level that will help you find the appropriate teams, and classes to keep your cheerleader challenged. Get all the school and recreation league information on tryouts, schedules, and other requirements. Ask questions to find out when practices and games are scheduled, what it will cost, what kind of commitment is expected from the parents, what are the safety precautions, and what is the experience of the coach/ staff member. Many of the skills that cheerleading teams require, are skills that take years of practice and training to master. So don’t wait. Make the necessary calls, ask the questions and get your child enrolled today in order to prepare her for future cheerleading opportunities.

When You Don’t Agree with the Coach What can you do when you don’t agree with a decision that the coach makes? Most coaches will advise you to pick your battles. Many problems can be avoided when parents are careful about the issues they choose to bring to the coach’s attention. Remember, kids often complain about something one day, and by the next, it’s forgotten. If it is important to you, make an appointment to talk with the coach. Most problems should not be discussed during practice times and should never be discussed in the presence of your child, the team, or other parents. Don’t be afraid w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m

to talk with your child’s coach. Most of the time there’s good reasoning behind a coach’s decision. Often the reason is something that the parent did not realize. Please understand that no child can be an exception to the rules set forth. All rules must be followed consistently for the coach to gain the team’s confidence and support. For older kids, let them talk it out with their coach on their own. In some cases, a little less intervention from mom and dad can allow for an opportunity for growth.

Why Parents are Sometimes Not Invited This is a tough thing to swallow. You’re investing so much time, and so much money, and now you can’t even watch? That’s because coaches know that if they are to get the most out of practice time, there must to be NO distractions. Observers (especially friends and family members) can be very distracting to individuals, as well as, the entire team. Coaches only have a few hours or less, each week to get a team working as one, so making every minute count is crucial for the team’s success. Most coaches will set up a scheduled practice when parents are invited to watch. Otherwise, try to understand that, in this case, keeping your distance is probably the best way to support your child’s team.

Getting Involved Understand that getting your child involved in cheerleading is a HUGE commitment on your part. Be sure to read, ask questions and understand what is inv o l v e d . Talk with the coach and ask for feedback on your child so you can work together at making your child get the

most out of this experience. Inquire what parent groups are available. There are always plenty of “behind the scene” opportunities for parents to get involved. For example, most teams have Birthday Parents or Competition Moms, etc., who help with special events. You can also help in others ways such as offering to help with paperwork or measuring the team for uniforms. Whatever you do, get involved in the team. Participating in these behind the scene efforts will let your child know that you are behind them. And, you’ll have a better handle on the progression of both your child and the team as a whole. Involved parents know what’s going on.

Why Practices Are So Important It is imperative that parents take practices seriously. If you have a team of twenty cheerleaders, and one person is missing the entire team is affected. Cheerleading isn’t like a football team - there’s no second string sitting on the bench to fill in. Absences can lead to mistakes and mistakes can lead to injuries. The practices that precede a big event like a game or competition are especially crucial. It does help to schedule your errands and appointments around your child’s practices and events. This not only ensures the success of the team, but it also teaches your child what it takes to be part of a team. The camaraderie of the team, dedication, and trust factors all play into you and your child’s commitment. H Heather Jeffries was born and raised in Kentucky. She has 16 years of cheer and dance experience from coaching middle school, high school, all-star, college, choreography, new gym liaison, etc. Heather was a UCA Instructor for 5 years. She cheered at Georgetown College while obtaining her Bachelor of Art in Communication. She then went to Graduate School at Valdosta State University and coached the college cheer team to their first appearance at NCA nationals. 23

e u q i t u o eer B

New! Cheer Chics Charms Fundraiser

Add a little charm to your day and extra money to your fundraising efforts! Sell Cheer Chics Flat Charms and Bottlecap Necklaces as a fundraiser for your team or organization. You can even customize your charms with your team name or logo. Lucky 11, Inc. www.cheerchicsproducts.com • 888-99CHEER

Take a look at this month’s products!

Open Shoulder Trainer: The Open Shoulder Trainer is a light, padded device that fits around an athlete’s shoulder and neck in order to maintain the open shoulders that are so often needed for skills that move through a handstand. How often do you repeat “KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS OPEN,” every day in your gym? The Open Shoulder Trainer is easy to use and doesn’t allow athletes to drop their shoulders on handstands, cartwheels, round offs, limber walkovers and other skills that require an open shoulder technique. You will want at least 5-10 Open Shoulder Trainers in your gym. 1-800-331-4362 www.tumbltrak.com Prices: Open Shoulder Trainer........$ 25.95 ($19.95 introductory price) Package of 10.......................$175.00

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hair accessories from basic hair bows, ribbons, pig tails, to Competition Bows. All hair accessories are guaranteed not to fall apart under normal wear. We offer the largest variety in hair bows, ribbons, and competition bows. All of our designs will match your uniforms for a great finishing touch. There are no guessing games here. We design great looks for Pop Warner, youth associations, all stars, schools, and competition squads. Our hair bows are hand made with the best quality in ribbon and materials that can be found. We do not believe you will find better quality hair accessory anywhere. Mention this ad for 20% off your order. www.powerbows.com 1-866-412-2697

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Our logo has changed but not the way we run a competition!! At our 2009-2010 events: We still award EVERY team a team trophy—regardless of place! ALL participants receive custom medals! Teams placing 1st-3rd receive individual awards! Free Toe Touch Competitions at each awards ceremony! Open Nationals also include Grand Champion Banners! A money machine at each awards ceremony! Outerwear for the 1st Place Teams! Compete with the Best in the Midwest!!

is a new film showcasing the passion and determination of one team’s quest for a national cheerleading title. This limited edition DVD also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with top-ranked cheer teams from around the country, plus exclusive judge’s critiques of live cheer routines. This is a must-have DVD for any cheerleader or team hoping to win a championship! Available at cheerleadingfilm.com

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Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H RECREAT ION ISS U E 2010

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Check out the hottest new cheer site on the web designed just for you! Join us on Cheer leadingInfoCenter.com for all of your cheerleading needs and more! Check out our FREE CLASSIFIEDS and how you can be a part of CIC! Contact: Valerie Stuut 954-748-5977

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Attention All-Star Cheer Coaches & School Cheer Coaches Compete at Walt Disney World Feb 26, 2011. For complete information click www.ContestofChampions.com or call 800-421-4159.

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Eastern Cheer & Dance Association (ECDA) and AmeriCheer/AmeriDance are joining together to bring you the best experience in the industry! With 30 years of experience from ECDA and 25 years of experience from AmeriCheer/AmeriDance, YOU are guaranteed to receive the service that can only come from such a lasting success! This year’s CELEBRATION BUNDLE is designed to provide your school/organization with an incentive to attend multiple ECDA and AmeriCheer/AmeriDance competitions throughout the 2010-2011 Competition Season.

THE MORE YOU COMPETE, THE MORE YOU EARN! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: For agreeing to attend ANY 3 competitions offered by ECDA, AmeriCheer or AmeriDance, your school/organization will receive a rebate check at the end of the year based on the amount of team registration fees your group paid throughout the competition season! The total amount of your rebate will be determined by how many competitions your school/organization attends during the 2010-2011 season.

NUMBER OF EVENTS ATTENDED BY YOUR SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION

PERCENTAGE REBATE YOUR ORGANIZATION WILL RECEIVE AT THE END OF THE SEASON

10%

12%

15%

THE EARNING DOESN’T END THERE! We’ve created additional ways to increase the rebate percentage that your school/organization will earn by offering special offers throughout the season! Complete any of the special offers below and increase your rebate percentage from above! SPECIAL OFFER #1

SPECIAL OFFER #2

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!

CELEBRATE WITH US IN OUR NATION’S CAPITOL!

Submit your Celebration Bundle Registration Form by October 1, 2010 with your deposit payment and receive a 2% bonus to your end of season rebate!

Choose to attend the 2011 DC Extreme National Championship held by ECDA and AmeriCheer/AmeriDance on January 28-30, 2011 in the Washington DC area and receive a 2% bonus to your end of season rebate!

SPECIAL OFFER #3 COMPETE WITH THE BEST AND INCREASE YOUR REBATE! Attend any 3 competitions offered by AmeriCheer, AmeriDance or ECDA and ALSO attend an end-of-the-season event held by AmeriCheer, AmeriDance or ECDA and receive a BONUS 3% to add to your Rebate Total at the end of the year! The following end-of-the-season events can be selected to receive the bonus rebate. AMERICHEER/AMERIDANCE COMPETITIONS:

ECDA COMPETITIONS:

2011 INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Walt Disney World Resort • Lake Buena Vista, FL March 18-20, 2011 2011 HEARTLAND DANCE NATIONALS Indianapolis, IN • March 26, 2011

2011 EDA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Myrtle Beach, SC • March 11-13, 2011 2011 ECA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Williamsburg, VA • April 1-3, 2011 2011 ECDA ALL STAR NATIONALS Hershey, PA • April 15-17, 2011

For additional rules and guidelines visit any of the AmeriCheer, AmeriDance and ECDA websites.

AmeriCheer/AmeriDance www.AmeriCheer.com www.AmeriDanceInc.com 1-800-966-5867 info@americheer.com

CHECK ONLINE FOR ALL OF OUR NEW 2010- 2011 COMPETITION DATES!

Eastern Cheer & Dance Association www.ecaeda.com 1-800-940-4322 info@ecaeda.com